So you’re an independent musician trying to make a name for yourself in the industry. You’ve got your social media profiles set up, and you’re posting your latest tracks and gig announcements like there’s no tomorrow. You’re practically a social media influencer at this point, right? You didn’t forget your website to showcase your music did you?
Don’t get me wrong, social media is a great tool for promoting your music and connecting with fans. But if you think that’s all you need to make it in the music world, you’re in for a rude awakening.
That’s where having a website comes in. Yes, I know, it’s so 2005. Who needs a website when you’ve got Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok? Well, let me tell you friend, having a website is like having a homebase that’s even cooler than your tour van. It’s a place where you can plant your flag and say, “This is what I do, this is where you can find me, Oh yeah, and I have a website.”.
So: Why is having a website important for independent musicians in addition to social media platforms?
With a website, you have complete control over your brand and your content. You’re not at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms or social media trends. You can showcase your music, your style, your personality, and your story in the way that you want to. Plus, you can sell your merchandise, connect with your fans directly, and even book gigs.
Don’t Worry!
I get it, building a website can be intimidating. You don’t know how to code, you don’t have the time, you don’t have the budget. Well, fear not, my friend. In this article, I’m going to show you why having a website is important for independent musicians, and how you can build one even if you’re a technophobe with a shoestring budget.
So put down your phone, take a break from scrolling through your notifications, and let’s dive into the world of website building. Trust me, it’s going to be way more fun than you think.
11 reasons why DIY/Independent musicians should have a website to showcase their music
So first things first let’s drive home the “why“. Here is a list of 11 reasons why having a website is the ultimate power move. It’s time to take your digital presence to the next level and show your X that you mean business.
1. Control
With your own website, you have full control over the content, design, and functionality of your site. You can create a unique and personalized experience for your fans that aligns with your brand.
2. Professionalism
A website can lend credibility to your brand and music. It shows that you take your craft seriously and have invested time and effort into building your online presence.
3. Ownership
Social media platforms can change their algorithms and policies at any time, which can affect your visibility and access to your audience. Having a website ensures that you have a permanent online home that you own and control.
4. Customization
You can customize your website to suit your specific needs and goals. For example, you can add features such as a blog, a music store, a mailing list signup, or an event calendar.
5. Branding
Your website can be a powerful tool for branding. You can use your website to showcase your music, merchandise, videos, and photos, and create a cohesive visual and auditory experience for your fans.
6. Fan engagement
A website can help you build a deeper connection with your fans by providing them with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and ways to interact with you.
7. Analytics
With a website, you can track your website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates using analytics tools. This data can help you make informed decisions about your marketing and promotional strategies.
8. SEO
Having a website can improve your search engine rankings and make it easier for fans to find you online. You can optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and building backlinks.
9. Revenue generation
A website can be a source of revenue through merchandise sales, ticket sales, crowdfunding campaigns, and other income streams.
10. Flexibility
With a website, you can adapt and evolve your online presence over time. You can add new features, change your design, and experiment with different marketing strategies as your needs and goals change.
11. Long-term value
A website to showcase music can provide long-term value by building your brand, expanding your fan base, and establishing your music career as a sustainable business. For a lot more help with building your brand we’ve recently posted an article about doing just that. Have a look!
And there you have it – 11 reasons why having a website is a no-brainer for any serious DIY musician. So, now that you know the benefits of having a website, let’s talk about why relying solely on social media platforms may not be the best approach.
11 reasons why DIY/Independent musicians should not rely solely on social media platforms to showcase their music
Relying solely on social media is like building a house on quicksand. One algorithm change and poof, your online presence is gone. So we’ve put together another list of 11 to give you reasons why you need to diversify your digital portfolio and have your own website at the center.
1. Limited control
Social media platforms control the look, feel, and functionality of your page, which can limit your ability to customize and create a unique brand experience.
2. Algorithm changes
Social media platforms can change their algorithms and policies at any time, which can affect your visibility and access to your audience.
3. Platform dependency
Relying solely on a third-party platform means that you are at the mercy of their policies and business decisions. If the platform shuts down or changes direction, you could lose your entire audience overnight.
4. Limited functionality
Social media platforms have limited functionality and may not offer all the features and tools you need to promote your music and connect with fans.
5. Competition
Social media platforms are crowded spaces with many other musicians and brands vying for attention. It can be difficult to stand out and gain traction in such a competitive environment.
6. Fragmented audience
Social media platforms fragment your audience and make it difficult to engage with them in a cohesive way. Fans may follow you on different platforms and have different levels of engagement with your music.
7. Data ownership
Social media platforms own the data generated by your audience interactions, which means that you have limited access to valuable analytics and user data.
8. Revenue sharing
Social media platforms often take a cut of your revenue from merchandise or music sales, which can eat into your profits.
9. Limited branding
Social media platforms have limitations on how much you can customize your page, which can affect your branding and visual identity.
10. Limited discoverability
Social media platforms may not be the best place for fans to discover new music. Users are more likely to search for music on platforms like YouTube or Spotify, which prioritize music content.
11. Lack of permanence
Social media platforms are ephemeral by nature and content can quickly become outdated or buried in a feed. A website provides a permanent online home for your music and brand that fans can always return to.
And that’s that- 11 reasons why putting all your eggs in the social media basket is a recipe for disaster. So let’s get some sense and start building a well-rounded online presence that is independent of algorithms.
Seriously Though
While social media platforms can be a valuable tool for promoting your music and connecting with fans, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of showcasing your music. A website to showcase music provides a permanent online presence that you own and control, and can be a powerful tool for building your brand and career as an independent musician.
Key Elements of a Musician’s Website
Now that we’ve established why having a website to showcase music is important, let’s dive into some of the key elements that every musician’s website should have. Here are a few things to consider:
A Clear and Concise Biography
This is your chance to tell your story and introduce yourself to your audience. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments, musical influences, and any other information that sets you apart from the crowd.
Music and Videos
Your website should feature your music and videos prominently, so that visitors can listen to your tracks and watch your performances. Make sure your media is easy to find and navigate, and consider using high-quality images and videos to showcase your work.
Upcoming Events and Shows
If you’re planning a tour or a series of shows, make sure to include a calendar or a list of upcoming events on your website. This will help fans stay up-to-date on your schedule and plan to attend your shows.
Merchandise
Selling merchandise on your website is a great way to generate additional revenue and give fans a chance to support your music. Consider offering t-shirts, hats, stickers, and other items that feature your logo or artwork.
By including these key elements on your website, you can create a strong online presence that showcases your music and helps you connect with fans. Remember, your website is your digital storefront, so make sure it represents you and your music in the best possible light!
If you care to get a more in depth view of what pages should be included on the website, we have an article just for you. It should really help!
Easy DIY Website Building Options
When it comes to building a website to showcase and sell your music and merchandise, there are some great DIY options out there. Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress are popular choices for musicians. These platforms offer user-friendly templates and intuitive interfaces, making it easy for even those without technical expertise to create a professional-looking website. So, if you’re a musician looking to establish an online presence, don’t hesitate to give them a try. Explore their features, experiment with different layouts and have fun. With very little effort you’ll be leveled up in no time!
Using a Website to Drive Traffic and Grow a Fanbase
A lot goes into buiding your fanbase, that includes having a great website. But what if you dont have a fans how do you begin? How would you release a single without any fans at all. We do our very best to answer that questionable with actionable insights in this great article. Read it here!
For now we must focus on our website. A website is the perfect tool to drive traffic and attract new followers. But how do you use it to your advantage?
First things first
Make sure your website is easy to find. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and link to your site from your social media pages and other online profiles. You can also use optimize your efforts, by implementing an email list sign up. Here is recently posted guild to building your email list! Its a must read!
Next
Provide valuable content that will keep fans coming back for more. This can include blog posts, exclusive music downloads, and behind-the-scenes videos. Don’t forget to collect email addresses so you can stay in touch with your fans and keep them updated on your latest news and releases.
Finally
Use social media and other promotional tools to drive traffic to your site. Post links to your website on your social media pages, collaborate with other musicians, and submit your music to online directories. With a little effort, your website can be a powerful tool for growing your fanbase! We recently published a guide with strategies for building your fan base. If that’s helpful to you; You should read it!
Best Practices for Maintaining and Updating a Musician’s Website
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of maintaining and updating your musician’s website to showcase music. You don’t want your website to be a ghost town, right? So, let’s discuss some best practices to keep your site fresh and engaging for your fans.
First off
Make sure to update your content regularly. No one wants to visit a website that hasn’t been updated in months, let alone years. Keep your fans engaged by posting new music, videos, and blogs on a consistent basis.
Next
Don’t forget to optimize your website for search engines. This will help you rank higher in search results and make it easier for potential fans to discover your music. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your website’s content and meta descriptions.
Lastly
Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. With more and more people accessing the internet on their mobile devices, it’s important that your website is easy to navigate on smaller screens. Make sure your website’s design is responsive and optimized for mobile devices.
Staying on top of things will help to make sure that your website is always up-to-date and engaging for your fans.
Using a Website to Sell Merchandise and Increase Revenue
Cha-ching!
This is where things get exciting – making money!
Your website is not just a place to showcase your tunes, but also a virtual merch table that’s open 24/7.
There are plenty of tools out there to help you build a slick and easy-to-use store, even if you don’t know a thing about it. You can also take advantage of third-party drop-shipping services that handle everything from printing to shipping that work in conjunction with storefront building apps, so you won’t have too much to worry about.
Exclusive Limited Edition Merchandise
When your site is up consider offering exclusive merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else. Fans love feeling like they’re part of an exclusive club, so offering limited edition items or personalized merchandise can really boost sales. In addition to that you should consider building a subscription based fan club, here its an article that explains how!
When it is all up and ready for business double check and be sure that the purchasing process is simple and straightforward. We wouldn’t want to make fans jump through uncomfortable hoops to buy your gear.
In Conclusion
And just like that we’ve reached the end of our journey through the world of a musicians website to showcase music. Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to go out there and get your ‘you know what’ together. Remember, a website is a definitive tool for showcasing your music, growing your fanbase, and even selling your gear. We know that building a musician website can be a big undertaking, but we truly believe that it can provide immense return on the effort.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We wish you the best of luck with your music. Keep on creating and we’ll be thinking of you all the way!